HC Deb 20 June 1939 vol 348 cc1990-1
6. Mr. Rathbone

asked the President of the Board of Trade who is responsible for the erection, maintenance, and repair of coastal marks, beacons, and lights, for which both Trinity House and the Development Commission disclaim all financial liability?

Mr. Stanley

While it is within the power of the general lighthouse authorities to provide and maintain aids to navigation on or near the coasts of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, expenditure by those authorities is normally restricted to such aids as will be of benefit to general navigation. Aids to meet solely the needs of local navigation are provided by harbour authorities or other local interests. If my hon. Friend will inform me of the aids to navigation which he has in mind, I will inquire into the matter.

Mr. Rathbone

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are several marks for which everyone disclaims all responsibility? Such a mark is that on the Cannis Rock, off the Gribben Head, which has been a bone of contention locally for over half a century. Does not my right hon. Friend consider that it is time a general review was undertaken of all marks, buoys and so on, with a view to ensuring that they are all properly provided for by one body or another?

Mr. Stanley

My hon. Friend mentioned the Cannis Rock; he has given me the kind of information for which I asked, and I will certainly inquire into that point.